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• Toyota e.com

Toyota e.com

The e. com, shown at the 1998 British International Motor Show, is a battery powered two-seat electric vehicle designed for compatibility with urban driving. The e. com offers the advantages of electric traction - zero emissions, very quiet operation and ease of driving - in an extremely compact vehicle (length 2790mm, width 1475mm) which is also attractive and practical, with many useful and innovative features.

The concept is potentially useful for certain applications, especially in urban areas. In 1999 Toyota initiated a community car sharing test programme using e. coms in Japan. Any future mass production plans for the e. com will be made based on the results of the experimental programme. Thus the sealed nickel-metal hybrid batteries provide the power to drive a highly efficient permanent magnet synchros 288 AC motor, and an on-board recharger. The motor in turn drives the front wheels through a simple reduction gearbox: power is recovered by regeneration during braking. Recharging the battery takes 9.5 hours from a 110V Japan/US socket, and only 2.5 hours via a European style 220V, 30A socket.

The cabin is fully trimmed to a high standard, with plenty of storage space for small items, and equipment may include a navigation system. The driving mode selector is mounted on the steering column, making it possible to slide across the cabin and exit from the other side. The passenger seat folds forward to extend the rear platform, enabling a solo driver to carry a surprising amount of shopping or other cargo. The e. com also features both driver and passenger airbags, and safety belts with pretensioners and force limiting devices.

Year:	1998	Engine:	288 AC motor
Power:	26 hp	Transmission:	n/a
0-60:	n/a	Top speed:	62 mph

Related Links

The Toyota website
http://www.toyota.co.uk